Most young children have some concept of God. It is important to respond to their questions with sophistication and honesty.
By Rabbi David Wolpe
Most young children have some concept of God. It
is important to respond to their questions with sophistication and honesty.
By Rabbi David Wolpe
Even parents who tell their children that they can
ask them about "anything" often change the subject when children ask about God.
And they do ask.
"Who are God's parents?" "If God is so powerful, why
doesn't God stop bad things from happening?" "Does God hear my prayers?" The
questions are legion. In essence, they are the same questions that parents ask,
although in another form. But they are questions we must address. After all, who
among us is satisfied to give our children an intellectual, but not a spiritual
education?
Our answers to these questions guide our children's view of the universe. What do we wish them to believe, that they are accidents of ancient chemistry or sparks of the divine? Whatever one's philosophy on these matters, we owe our children an honest and searching discussion.
Talking to children about God is a key component of their sense of self. Children are taught that they are important, but why are they important? Ask your children why they matter. I have asked thousands of children "why are you important." The usual answers are "I get good grades, I am good at sports, I have a nice job/boyfriend/girlfriend, my parents love me." All these answers spell trouble, because they are all based on something human, and everything human can change. Are we always going to be the brightest in the class, or have that boyfriend or feel our parents' love? Do you really want your child's self-esteem to be based on your emotional constitution? Is there no unvarying basis for self-worth?
Continue reading.
And they do ask.
"Who are God's parents?" "If God is so powerful, why
doesn't God stop bad things from happening?" "Does God hear my prayers?" The
questions are legion. In essence, they are the same questions that parents ask,
although in another form. But they are questions we must address. After all, who
among us is satisfied to give our children an intellectual, but not a spiritual
education? Our answers to these questions guide our children's view of the universe. What do we wish them to believe, that they are accidents of ancient chemistry or sparks of the divine? Whatever one's philosophy on these matters, we owe our children an honest and searching discussion.
Talking to children about God is a key component of their sense of self. Children are taught that they are important, but why are they important? Ask your children why they matter. I have asked thousands of children "why are you important." The usual answers are "I get good grades, I am good at sports, I have a nice job/boyfriend/girlfriend, my parents love me." All these answers spell trouble, because they are all based on something human, and everything human can change. Are we always going to be the brightest in the class, or have that boyfriend or feel our parents' love? Do you really want your child's self-esteem to be based on your emotional constitution? Is there no unvarying basis for self-worth?
Continue reading.
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